"I saw the commotion over the distortions in the claims about national security expertise by Ossoff," Bolton said in an interview. "I care so much about this issue that while I'm not taking sides among any of the Republicans (in the race) I just think this is something that needs to be highlighted."

Ossoff's campaign, however, said voters are tired of these kinds of attacks.

"Folks across the 6th District are excited about the opportunity to elect some fresh, independent leadership and move beyond partisan smears like this," Keenan Pontoni, Ossoff's campaign manager, said. "Jon’s record as a congressional aide working on national security and then as an investigative journalist and businessman are exactly what we need to bring accountability to Washington and help grow Metro Atlanta into an economic powerhouse."

Bolton has not endorsed a candidate in the April 18 special election and has no connection to the 6th District -- other than knowing Tom Price, who resigned this seat to become Health and Human Services secretary.

Bolton has spent the past two election cycles building his own PAC and foundation to back candidates with strong national security commitments. His Bolton PAC raised $12.5 million in the 2016 election cycle and endorsed 94 candidates.

He knows "resume inflation" happens in some campaigns, but it is harder to detect when there are 435 congressional races in a normal election year. The 6th District's special election status makes it easier to focus on, he said.

"When it's claims that exaggerate background and experience in national security -- I felt it needed to be exposed and highlighted in the district," he said.